Machine



2 Sheets Sheet 1.

A. B. BOWERS, DREDGING MACHINE. No. 318,859. Patented May 26, 1885.

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2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

A. B. BOWERS.

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iitnren STATES arena which.

ALPI-IONZO I3. BOWERS, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

DREDGING- MACHINE.

SPECIFICATIGN forming part of Letters Patent. No. 318,859, dated Riley26, 1885.

Application filed Dtceinhcr 9, 1876. Renewed April 16, 1879.

To ail 7/17/0771 it nmy concern:

Be it known that I. ALrHoNzo B. BOWERS, of San Francisco, California,engineer, have invented a Novel Construction for Dredging andTransporting Spoils, of which this, with the accompanying drawings, is aspecification.

It consists of a rotary bottomless-bucket excavator-wheel of moderatesize, novel construction, and great capacity, combined with ahydraulictransporting device of equal capacity,bynieansotwhich thespoilsmay he cheaply carried to a distance of several miles overland or waterand across navigable channels without interruption of navigation,together with novel feeding devices. through which the percentages ofearth excavated by the cut-ting wheel and oi" the water therewithdelivered are adjustable to the precise amount of each necessary formost economical working. and by means of which clean work is done,theexcavator going twice over no ground and missing no ground, thussaving much time, and effecting a material reduction in the cost ofapparatus, repairs, and cost of dredging and of disposing of the spoils,these being the chief objects of the invention.

Figure l is a plan of a portion of my dredging apparatus. Fig. 2 isavertical l'oreandaft section of a port-ion ol' the hull through the wellin which rotates the turntable, with a side view of the turn-table.vertical anchors, and hoisting apparatus. Fig. 3 is a verticalcross-section of a portion of the hull through thecounterbalancecylinder and longitudinal well, showing also an end viewof the bucketwhecl and the arrangement of the counterbalance andhoisting apparatus. Fi 4. is a View of the inner chamber or shieldaround which the bucket-wheel usually revolves. Fig. 5 is a longitudinalsection through the disco] ends of the bucket-wheel in the line 3 s,Fig. 8, showing also where the shaft R is secured to the hub of thecutting-wheel and the outlines of two of the buckets 7; 7: connectingthe discal ends Z) 1). Between these bucket-s is shown a longitudinalsection of the inner chamber. '1, and shaft R and bearing of this shaft,It. Fig. 6 is a side view of the bucket-wheel excavator. Fig. 7 is across-section of the bucketwheel, inner chamber, and driving shaft;through the line Z i, Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a view of the outer discal endof the bucket-wheel, showing the detachable ring-knife (Z andcutting-lips c. Fig. 9 is a reduced side View of the dredgeboat A,vertical anchors GG", flexible connection I), floating and oscillatingdischarge-pipe 0, supported by hollow floats I, flexible connection Dbetween the oscillating and non-oscillating sections ol the dischargepipe, ntud-receiver X, (the details of which are shown in Figs. 13 and14,) suspended dischargepipe 3 with its buoys 4 i, submergeddischarge-pipe 5, resting upon the bottom, over which a vessel isrepresented as passing, and guys ti (i, for holding the discharge-pipein proper position. Fig. 10 is a plan of the dredging and transportingapparatus, showing also a vessel passing over the dischargepipe and thecut made by the dretlger as it swings from side to side. Fig. 11 is anenlarged cross-section of the il.\(;llttl"1tl)ll )6 U and hollow floatsI". Fig. l2 is a view of the under part ot a section ct lllr dischargepipe, showing numerous openings therein (or the escape of the heavierand coarser material, while the water and lighter material are propelledonward to a farther point of discharge. Fig. 13 is an enlarged side andpart sectional view of the mud receiver, with its pipes, valves, andl'iflilypump, showing how the charging and discharging of a largereceiver may be facilitated by the duplication of the branches andvalves Y Z. Fig. 14 is an enlarged cross-section of the mud-receiver X.

In all these figures like letters indicate like parts.

A is a floating vessel that carries the engines, boilers, and dredgingmachinery. It is shown in this instance with an elongated longitudinalwell for the reception of the swinging portion 01" the suction-pipe.

B is a large pump that draws the spoils from the buckets of theexcavator up the suction-pipe and forces them through the discharge-pipeto a place of deposit.

B, Figs. 9, 13, is a relay-pump or other auxiliary dischargingapparatus, sometimes used in connection with a primary transport;- ingapparatus to carry the spoils to a greater distance than couldconveniently be done by the original agent, power, or pump, or thanwould be practicable without subjecting the apparatus to a pressure thatmightendanger some of the parts, or without the use of heavier or moreexpensive apparatus than would be desirable for ordinary purposes. Itmay also be used for discharging the receiver X, and for exhaustingwater from pipe C, (when said pipe is submerged.) fort-he purpose ofraising it preparatory to floating it into a new position. As many ofthese .2 pumps may be used as are necessary to transport the spoil tothe required distance.

O is asuction-pipe connecting the excavator with the pump 15. this pipeis mounted at the inner end of the well upon strong trunnions, one ofwhich forms an elbow ot' the pipe and passes through a stuiiing-box orother suitable connection into tl'icsuction-pipe ol' the pump'B. Throughthe other trunnion passes a shaft that actuates the gears 2', that drivethe shaft R and bucketwheel and upon these trunnions the shaft R,suction-pipe, and excavator swing as the cutter is raised or lowered tosuit the depth at which the work is progressing.

O is adischargopipe. it is provided with a strong llexible section, D,or other suitable joint or mounting, at or near the turn-table F, andother pivot or center of oscillation of the dredging-machine orexcavating apparatus, and is constructed and arranged to permit saidapparatus or machine to swing horizon-' tally upon said pivot or pivotswithout materially changing the position of said (lischarge-pipe beyondsaid mounting, flexible connection, pivot or pivots. When this pipe isseveral hundred feet in length, I usually support the inner portion bylong, narrow, hollow floats, in which case it consists of two partsaninner oscillating or swinging seetion (generally composed of severalshort sections tiexibl y j oined together and to the dredgeboat,) and anouter stationary or non-oscillating section,fiexibly joined to saidinner section. This permits the boat to feed forward and the oscillatingsection to swing with the ad vancing boat (as the work progresses) 011the joint connecting the oscillating and non-oscillating sections. Thedischarge-pipe is pro vided with a pressure-gage, 7, Fig. 1, to givenotice of overpressure and danger of choking of pipe from any suddenchange in char acter ot' spoil. \Vhen pipe 0 is above deck and extendsbut a short distance from the mounting D for discharging alongside, itrequires supporting, and is usually suspended from a mast, the claim forwhich is reserved for another application now on file.

O is a pipe passing through the recci vcr X to the exhausting apparatusof said receiver. When used in connection with the pipe 0, it may beregarded as the prolongation of said pipe.

0 is an auxiliary discharge-pipe, used in connection with any suitableauxiliary transporting apparatus, and extends from said auxiliary toanother auxiliary transporting agent or apparatus, or to the place ofdeposit.

The swinging portion of 0 Fig. 10, is a discharge-pipe extending from asecond relay discharging apparatus to a place of deposit. Vhen afloating dischargepipe would impe dc navigation, thegreater portion maylie upon the bottom 4, Fig. 9, and when the water is too deep fort-hisit may be suspended from the buoys 5 5, Fig. 9,'and

guys and anchors 6 may, it necessary, be used to prevent it from beingdisturbed by winds, waves, or currents. \Vhen the pipe is to besubmerged, it may be advisable to construct it of thin metallic plates,uniting the several sections with ball-and-socket or other strongflexible connections. In other cases it may be made of wood or metal,according to the preferences of the user.

E is a rotary bucket wheel excavator, having radiating bottomlessbuckets k, Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, firmly secured at each end to the discalends I) b of said excavator. These buckets may be stiffened,strengthened, and protected by rings or screens (1, passing around, seenred to, and preferably projecting beyond the edges of said buckets,Figs. 1. 5, (5, 7, 8. These rings may be sharp to out like the revolvingdisk-colters of plows, and serve to subdivide the material entering thebuckets, and to exclude substances too hard to be cut and too coarse topass through the pipe and pump.

as fenders to enable the cutter to ride over obstructions withoutcatching and breaking. The edges t the bucket are sharp, and may beprovided with detachable steel knives or cutters S, Fig. 6, for workingin hard mate rial. The outer discal end, Figs. 1, 3, (i, 8, may beprovided with cutting edges, lips, or scoops c, to obviate the danger ofbreakage from jamming against a hard bank as the dredger heaves in theswell of the sea. In making the necessary openings in the discal end toadmit the silt from said scoops, said end'plate be comes changed to theform of a spider or series of arms, which may be'strengthened by thelower ring (I, which in turn may be regarded as forming a series ofbraces extendingbetween the said arms at or near their outer parts. Theseveral parts of this excavator may be made separate and detachable, orit may be cast in a single piece.

I do not confine myself to the precise mode described of mounting thiswheel or of freeing it of its contents. It may be of any desired sizeand proportion of parts, and may discharge its contents inwardthroughitself into any suitabl' conduit or receiver. The rings r2 may beomitted in soft mud free stances too coarse to pass through the pipesand pump, though always at the risk of the projecting buckets catchingupon obstructions and getting broken.

F, Figs. 1, 2, 10, is a small cylindricaltnrntable rotating in acircular well or frame. It

is provided with a strongflange or other suitable bearing, and isrotated in any convenient manner. Two or more vertical apertures, e 6,pass through the turn-table from top to bot tom on opposite sides, asshown.

They serve also a from sub safety of the wheel.

G G are vertical anchors passing loosely through the apertures c e inthe turn-table into the mud below. They are raised by blocks and tackleattached to the mast f, or in any other usual manner.

H is a counterbalance-cylinder connected with the suction-pipe,excavator, and hoisting apparatus, to obviate the danger of breakagefrom pounding upon the bottom in a heavy swell. It is provided with apiston, pistonrod, and gland, like a steam-engine. Steam or compressedair is admitted to the upper side of the piston, the area of which issuflicient very nearly to balance under the given pressure the weight ofthe suction-pipe and excavator. To the upper end of the piston isattached the hawscr L, passing over suitable sheaves in the frame K,thence through the block 9, Fig. 3, whence it passes over other sheavesin said frame to the Windlass J, by which means the excavator can beraised or lowered by said windlass without interrupting the action ofthe counter-balance. l/Vhen the dredger rises on a swell, the excavatorrises also, and as the dredger sinks in the trough of the sea theexcavator falls upon the bottom, not with the full weight of theexcavator and suction-pipe, but with the unbalanced weight only,striking so lightly as not to endanger the This device is necessary onlywhen dredging a hard bottom in a heavy swell. When not required for thispurpose, the cylinder H may be utilized as a steam or hydraulic hoist,or be dispensed with alto gether.

I is a variable winding device, of which there are many suitable forms.I prefer ordinary windingdrums driven by a separate engine, though forsimplicity of illustration I have shown tapering drums 2, looselymounted on a shaft and driven (through V-shapcd friction-couplings andsuitable connect-ions) by the main engine. lhe disengaged drum gives outone warping line as the engaged drum takes in the other. The office ofthis device is to vary the speed of the side feed, for the purpose ofregulating the percentages of earth and water delivered to the pumpwithout affecting the speed of other parts of the machinery. This speedwith the device shown is dependent upon the diameter upon which thewarping-lines wind, and is varied by shifting the sliding guide-sheavesj j to ward or from the larger ends of the drums by means of the handwheels and screws, as shown.

J is a windlass for raising and lowering the excavator.

K is a frame from which the suction pipe and excavator are suspended.

L is a line or chain for raising, lowering, and counterbalancing theexcavator.

M M are warping-lines passingf'rom thchold to the winding-drums h 1:,around which they make a sufficient number of turns to prevent slipping,whence they pass around suitable guide-sheaves, to and through theanchored blocks U U, to the outer end of the suction-pipe, to which theyare secured, so that the working side strain falls mostly upon the outerend of the suction-pipe, (or of the ladder supporting said suction-pipe,if such be used,) and but lightly upon the joints or trunnionssupporting the inner ends of said pipe or ladder. As

the outer ends of these lines wind upon the drums in the device shown,the inner ends unwind and descend to the hold. The office of these linesis to swing the excavating apparatus or the drcdger from side to side inthe process of dredging, and firmly to anchor the them to be transportedthrough long pipes without the aid of a relay-pump, to clear the pipeswhen accidentally choked, should this ever occur, and to prime the pump13, the latter or its suction-pipe being provided with the usual valveor valves for that purpose. 5

Like most stcam-pumps, it is provided with two suctionorifices onopposite sides of the water chamber and a discharge directly over eachsuction. To the suction and discharge on one side is connected thebranch pipe O,

leading into the pipe 0. Each branch is provided with valves in theusual manner of arranging a branch pipe to serve for suction anddischarge. The discharge branch only is shown, the suction beingdirectly under it.

To the suction on the other side of the waterchamber is secured a valveand pipe communicating with any suitable supply of water, (usually thatin which thedrcdger lloats,) and sometimes by a branch pipe and valvewith no the hold of the vessel for discharging leakage, and by anotherbranch and valve with pump 13 for priming said pump by suction. To thedischarge above this suction is connected a pipe or hose, that may alsobe used for primn5 ing the pump B by discharging into it, and for allthe 'arious purposes of an ordinary ship-pump. hVhcn 0 is used as asuctionpipe to draw from pipe 0, the valve on the discharge branch isclosed, the suction-branch 1 20 valve is opened, and the discharge isthrough the pipe or hose on the opposite side. hen- O is used as adischarge-pipe to force into pipe 0, the suction-branch valve is closed,the dischargebranch valve is opened, and the suction is through theopposite suction-pipe. Vhen the suction is through the pipe opposite thesuction branch or pipe 0, the discharge may be throughthepipeorhoseabove it or through the discharge branch of 0 into pipe 0, as regulatedby the valves to suit the purposes of the user.

O is a pipe with branches and valves connecting both suction anddischarge on one side It is used 8 5 of the pump N with pipe 0, and iseither a suction or discharge pipe, as regulated by its valves.

P I are long, narrow, hollow floats, preferably extending longitudinallyalong each side of the short sections of the discharge-pipe, forsupporting them on the water. They may be made of wood or metal, and besecured together and to the discharge-pipe by pieces of scantlingpassing crosswise over and under the pipe and floats and fastened withrods passing each side of the pipe and floats, as shown in Fig. 11,though I do not confine myself to this form of construction.

Q is a pulley or gear for actuating the gears z and excavator 11). Itmay be connected with its shaft by a friction-coupling.

It is the driving-shaft of the biicketwheel. It is keyed or otherwisesecured to the hub of the wheel, whence it passes through suitablebearings in the inner chamber, up the suctionpipe, and through astuiling-box to the gears t, by which it is actuated.

S is a strong detachable steel knife, sometimes used on the edges of thebuckets when working in hard material. It may be serrated,chisel-toothed, or straightedged, according to the character of thematerials to be cut, a straight edge being preferable for ordinary work.

Tis an inner chamber or shield,arou ad which the bucket-wheel revolves,and into which it discharges. This chamber is provided with a strongflange, by which it is secured to a similar flange on the end of thesuction-pipe. It is also provided with a large opening, a, Figs. 4, 7,through which the spoils enter from the buckets, and through thisopening, Fig. 4, is seen a portion of the drivingshai't R, and thebearing of said shaft in the end of said chamber. This chamber or shieldforms a bottom for the buckets 7; until they reach the opening a, asshown in the cross-section of the wheel and chamber, Fig. 7. As thebuckets pass this opening, they discharge mud and water into thechamber, as indicated by the inner arrows, the outer arrow showing thedirection of rotation. The office, in part, of this chamber or shield isto prevent too large a percentage of water from entering with the mud;but when the spoils are of a character to require a large percentage 01'water to carry them up the suction-pipe, or to send them through thedischarge-pipe, as may sometimes be the case, the chamber may be cutaway until only cnough remains to support the excavator and shaft It.

U U are blocks anchored at suitable points on each side of the dredger,through which pass the warping-lines M M, for the purpose of swingingthe dredger or the excavating apparatus from side to side. They areusually placed from three hundred to six hundred feet apart, and alittle in advance of the ends of the first cuts made by the excavator,to allow a wide swing and avoid the necessity for too freq lent changeof place as the work progresses.

V is a branch pipe and valve, through which samples of the spoils aredrawn from the discharge-pipe, to enable the operator properlytoregulate the speed of the side feed. It is preferably placed aboutone-third the diameter of the discharge-pipe from the lower side of saidpipe in order to secure a fair average sample.

W is a small tank resting upon scales. It is provided with adischarge-pipe and valve. It is filled with spoils drawn from thedischarge-pipe through the branch and valve V,

and the speed of the side feed is increased or' paratus or to the placeof deposit.

Y is a valve on the pipe 0 within the re.- eeiver X. This valve isadjusted to open antomatically outward with slight pressure, and

serves as a relief-valve in case of stoppage of t the pump B while thepump B is running. It serves also as aguide to regulate the speed ofpump B, which should be increased beyond that necessary for preventingthe opening of this valve in order to aid by suction as well as forcing.This valve may be set wide open for the purpose of filling the receiver,and may be securely closed when the pump B is used to force the materialinto the pump B for the purpose of increasing the etliciency of thelatter. It is also opened to admit-air into the discharge-pipe when thewater isto be withdrawn therefrom by pump N.

Z is a branch and valve, through which mud is drawn from the receiver tobe discharged through the pipe 0*.

Z is a branch and valve for admitting water to wash out the pipe 0 afterthe mud has been discharged from the receiver.

Z" is a valve for closing the pipe 0 while the mud-receiver is beingdischarged,or when said receiver is disconnected from the and takes themud directly from the dumping or dredging apparatus.

Z is a pipe and valve used for admitting water through the bottom of thereceiver for the purpose of diluting the mud when it is too stiff topass freely up the branch Z. It may have branch pipes with numeroussmall openings for the more thorough dilution of the spoils. Thisreceiver may be used in connection with any dredging apparatus forcontinuous transportation of the spoils through pipes P p I IOU as thework progresses; or it may be filled, towed to the place of deposit, andthere be connected with a discharge-pipe for putting the spoils onshore.

The operation of dredging is as follows: The vertical anchors andexcavator being raised to allow freedom of motion, the d redger isplaced in position with the tnrn-tablein line with the longitudinal axisof the proposed cut. The turn-table is then rotated until the verticalanchors are also in line with said axis, and both anchors are thendropped into the mud. The discharge-pipe is placed in position, theblocks U U anchored at suitable points for swinging the machine, and thedredger swung round until the excavator reaches the side of the proposedcut, as shown in Fig. 10. The lines M M are drawn taut and the excavatorlowered below the surface of the water. The pump B is then primed,started, and the excavator set in motion and lowered its entire diameterinto the mud. The proper windingdrum is then engaged,and the dredger,swinging on the turn-table as a pivot or center of oscillation, rapidlyouts its way to the opposite side. To secure a steady side feed, thefriction-coupling of the unwinding-drum may be adjusted to keep theunwinding line sufficiently taut to prevent the veering of the dredgerwith wind or tide. Upon reaching the opposite side the winding-drum isdisen gaged, the excavator again lowered its full diameter, the sidefeed reversed, and the dredger cuts back again. This process is repeateduntil the proper depth is obtained. The excavator is then raised abovethe bank in front, the anchor G raised, as shown in Fig. 2, and theturn-table rot e upon the anchor Gr until G is squarely in front ofG",in line with the longitudinal axis of the proposed excavation, asindicated by the brokcnlined outline G, Fig. 2. G is then dropped intothe mud, and the work proceeds as before, the dredger having been liedforward the distance between the cenlers of the vertical anchors, whichis fixed to correspoinl with the cut capable of being made by theexcavator. This arrangement for feeding forward keeps the center ofoscillation of the dredger coincident with that from which the are to becut by the excavator should be described. A less per feet forward feedis secured by placing the dredger so that the excavator is at the side,and the turn-table in line with the longitudinal axis of the proposedexcavation. The turntable is then rotated until the vertical anchorsarein a line parallel with the transverse axis of the dredger, whereitis made stationary. This leaves one anchor diagonally in advance of theother, the dredger lying diagonally across one halfofthe line oftheproposed excavation. The forward anchor is now dropped into the mud toform apivot, upon which the dredger swings as it cuts to the oppositeside. The dredger then lies diagonally across the other half of the lineof the proposed excavation, the swing having brought the rear anchor tothe front. This anchor in its turn is dropped to form a new pivot, andthe other anchor 15 then raised. The dredgeswings first upon one andthen upon the other anchor, these anchors being alternately raised am.lowered for this purpose. As this mode of i eding by swingingalternately upon two diilhcnt pivots gives a wedge-shaped cut, requi ingtwo full swings to make one full cut, it equivalent to a loss ofone-half of the time, and is used only to prevent stoppage of work whenthe apparatus for rotating the turntable is stopped for repairs or othercause, in which case it becomes valuable.

I do not herein claim the method 0." oscillating the boat, nor ofraising, conveying, and diluting the spoils,the same being claimed inadivision of this application lilcd Apri 2-1, 1885, to which divisionthe Patent. Oilice has given the Serial No. 163,262; nor do Iclainrbroadly, the combination of a rotary excavator having inwarddelivery with a suction-pipe, nor the methods of relieving pressure inthe pipe and of raising the pipe, the same being claimedin still anotherdivision of the original application filed April 29, 1885, to whichdivision the Patent Office has given the Serial No. 163,888.

1. In a dredging-machine having devices for swinging and working with aside feed, vertical anchors arranged to give a forward feed by servingas alternate pivots, upon which the dredger swings as it cuts from sideto side.

2. A dredge boat having a selfcontained pivot or center of oscillation,upon which said boat swings when at work, and a device for swinging andworking said heat upon said pivot, in combination with a spud arrangedto prevent said boat from drifting from its proper position whilesaidseli containcd pivot and boat are beingmoved into place preparatory to anew swing of the dredger in its suecessive stages of work.

3. A dredge boat having a. self contained pivot or center ofoscillation. with devices for swinging and workingsaid beaten saidpivot, in combination with aspudarranged to measure, regulate, and fixthe amount of forward feed in each successive advance in the successivestages of work, and to hold the boat in proper position while saidadvance is being made.

4. In dredging-machincs, the combination of the turn-table F andvertical anchors G G, as a means of moving the machine forward orotherwise, substantially as described.

5. In adredgingmachinc, the turntable F, arranged upon the floating hullout of cont-act with the mud bottonnand provided with means foranchoring it in a fixed relation to said bottom, for the purposesspccilied.

6. In a dredging-machine, the combination, with the hull of a turntable,F, (arranged upon the hull out of contact with the mud bot-' tom andprovided with means for anchoring it in a fixed relation to saidbottonn) of warping-lines, substantially as specified.

ICC

7. The combination, in a dredging apparatus, of a self-contained pivotor center of oscillation and a variable side feed.

8. The combination, in a dredging apparatus, of a self-contained pivotor center of oscillation and a variable winding device for swinging saidapparatus upon said pivot.

9. A dredge-boat having a self-contained pivot forming a center ofoscillation, with devices for swinging and working said boat upon saidpivot, in combination with a suctionpipe and exhausting apparatus.

10. A drm'lge-boat having a self-contained pivot forming a center ofhorizontal oscillalion, with devices for swinging and working said boatupon said pivot, in combination with a suction-pipe, exhaustingapparatus, and rotary excavator.

11. A dredge-boat having a self-contained pivot or center ofoscillation, with devices for swinging and working said boat upon saidpivot, in combination with a pipe for discharging the spoils.

12. In a dredging apparatus having a side feed and self-contained pivotor center of oscillation, a disehargepi pe flexibly mounted at or nearsaid pivot, to allow said apparatus to swing withoutniaterial alterationof the position of said discharge-pipe.

13. In a dredging-machine having a device for excavating from side toside ot'the cut, a discharge-pipe extendingfrom a discharging apparatusto or near a center ol'oscillation, where it is provided with a hollowflexible joint or other suitable connection, and is prolonged thence toa place of discharge.

14. An excavatingdevice having an oscillating or swingingmovement, andhaving 21 e011- duitdischarge flexibly joined thereto at or near thecenter of horizontal oscillation of said device.

15. A mud-transporting apparatus having an oscillating or swingingmovement, and having a condnit-discharge llexiblyjoined thereto at ornear the center of horizontal oscillation of said apparatus.

16. A dredge-boat and oscillating section of a cont'luit-disehargeflexibly joined to a nonoscillating section, to allow said boat to feedforward and said oscillatin section to swin b D upon the flexible jointconnecting said oscillating and non-oscillating sections.

17. A conduit-discharge for transporting spoils to a place of deposit,said discharge being flexibly joined to an excavating device (having ahorizontal swinging or oscillating movement) at or near theself-contained pivot forming the center of horizontal oscillation ofsaid device, and provided with floats forsupporting said conduit.

18. A conduit for transporting earthy and similar substances, flexiblyjoined to a discharging apparatus (havi nga horizontal s win ging oroscillating movement) at or near the center oi horizontal oscillation ofsaid apparatus, and provided with floats for supporting said conduit.

19. A conduitfor transporting mud, flexibly joined to an exeavatingandforeingapparatus (having a horizontal swinging or oscillating movementllat or r ar the centerot' horizontal oscillation of said apparatus, andprovided with floats for supporting said conduit.

20. A discharge-pipe consisting of a series of sections flexibly joinedtogether and supported by long, narrow, hollow floats, in combinationwith a dredge-boat .and rotary excavator.

21. A discharge-pipe consisting of a series of sections flexibly joinedtogether and supported by long, narrow, hollow floats, in combinationwith a dredge-boat and rotary excavator with inward delivery.

22. A discharge-pipe consisting of a series of sections flexibly joinedtogether, in combination with a dredge-boat having a self-containedpivot or center of horizontal oscillation, with devices for swinging andworking said boat on said pivot.

23. A discharge-pipe consisting of a series of sections flexiblyjoinedtogether, in combination with a dredge-boat and rotary excar.

vator.

24. A discharge-pipe consisting of a series.

of sections flexibly joined together and supported by long, narrow,hollow floats.

25. A discharge-pipe consisting of a series of sections flexibly joinedtogether and snp-v ported by floats, in combination with a dredgerhaving a rotary excavator.

26. A conduit for trans iorting earthy and semi-liquid substances, saidconduit consisting of an outer rigid non-oscillating section flexiblyjoined to an inner oscillating section, the inner end of saidoscillating section be ing flexibly joined to a discharging device.

27. A conduit for transporting earthy and semi-liquid substances, saidconduit consisting of an outer rigid non-oscillating section flexiblyjoined to an inner oscillating section, the inner end of saidoscillating section being arranged to receive said substances, saidconduit being provided with a motor.

28. Hollow floats, in connection with and secured to theflexibly-connected pipe 0.

29. Hollow floats, in combination with a conduit for discharging mud andsemi-liquid material.

30. In combination with a dredge-boat and pump for transporting spoil, aconduit-discharge provided wi th a pressuregage, substantially as andfor the purpose specified.

81. In combination with an apparatus for transporting earthy andsemi-liquid material, the submerged conduit 3, suspended from buoys.

' 32. In combination with excavating devices to cut or scoop up mud, asubmerged dischargepipe resting upon the bottom.

33. -A submerged discharge-pipe, in combination with excavating devicesadapted to cut up the mud and with mud-forcing apparatus.

34. A relay-pump for renewed propulsion, in combination with andflexibly joined to the discharge-pipe of a mudt-rensporting apparatus,to permit said pipe and transporting ap paratus to oscillate while therelay-pump remains stationary.

35. A rclay pump for renewed propulsion, in combination with andflexibly joined to the discharge-pipe of an excavating apparatus, topermit the oscillation of said apparatus while the relay puinp remainsstationary.

36. A relay-pump for renewed propulsion, in combination with anearth-transporting apparatus and discharge-pipe.

37. A relay-pump for renewed and continuous propulsion of semi-liquidsand of earthy material, in combination with a conveyingconduit.

38. An apparatus for transporting earthy and similar material through along conduit by means of a carrying stream of water, in combination witha device having openings to allow the escape of the heavierportions ofsaid transported material, while the larger portion of the water andlighter material pass over and are discharged farther on.

39. A mud forcing apparatus having a closed conveyingpipe leadingtherefrom and a sampling pipe and valve connected to the closed pipe.

40. In combination with a mud excavating and discharging apparatus anddischargepipe, the weighing-tank WV, substantially as and for thepurpose described.

41. In combination with pipe G, the pump N and its connections,substantially as and for the purpose specified.

42. A force and suction pump, in combination with pipe and arranged toforce into or draw from said pipe as regulated by the valves.

43. A force-pump and injeetioupipe, in combination with pipe 0, andarranged to force into said pipe, for the purposes specified.

44. A suction-pump, in combination with pipe 0', and arranged to exhaustfrom said pipe, for the purpose specified.

45. In combination with a mud-forcing apparatus having a submergeddischarge-pipe, a pump arranged to raise said pipe by substituting airfor the contents of said pipe.

46. In combination with an excavating device to draw, out, or scoop upmud, a flexiblyjointed dischargepipe resting upon the bottom,substantially as described.

47. A flexibly-jointed submerged dischargepipe, in combination with arotary excavator and with mud-forcing apparatus.

48. In combination. with discharge-pipe G and a dredging andtransporting device, a pump, 13, for exhausting from said pipe.

49. A dredge-boat having a. self-contained pivotforming a centerofhorizontal oscillation, with devices for Swinging and working saidboat upon said pivot, in combination with a rotary excavator.

50. The combination, with a dredge-boat and non-rotative suction-pipe,of a rotary excavator having an inward delivery, and arranged to forcethe loosened material through said excavator toward the mouth of thesuction-pipe.

51. A dredge-boat having a self-contained pivot, with devices forswinging and working said boat on said pivot, in combination with a.suction-pipe and a rotary excavator with inward delivery.

52. A dredge-boat having a self-contained pivot or center ofoscillation, with devices for swinging and working said boat on saidpivot, in combination with an exhausting and discharging device,suction-pipe, and rotary excavator having an inward delivery.

53. The combination, with a non rotative suction-pipe, of a rotaryexcavator having an inward delivery through said excavator.

54. The combination, with a dredge-boat and non-rotat-ive suction-pipe,of a rotary excavator having an inward delivery through said excavator.

55. The combination, with a suction-pipe, of a rotary excavatordelivering inwardly through itself and rotating independently of saidpipe.

56. A rotary bottomless-bucket excavatorwhcel having an internal bearingand a hub constructed and arranged to hold and support the wheel andallow a free discharge.

57. A rotary bottomless-bucket excavatorwheel with driving-shaft andsuitable bearings, in combination with pipe 0 and an exhaustingapparatus.

58. A hollow rotary excavator with inward delivery, in combination witha suction-pipe provided with an elbow and suitable bearings in the axisof vertical oscillation of said pipe, said elbow being connected bymeans of a stuffing-box or other suitable connection with a stationarycontinuation of a suctionpi pe leading to an exhausting apparatus, thewhole being constructed and arranged to allow said excavator to beraised and lowered without breaking the suction and ilow.

59. A rotary excavator with inward delivcry, in combination with anonrotating suctionpipe mounted upon strong trunnions or equivalentjoints, to permit the excavator and outer end of the suction-pipe to beraised and lowered to suit the depth at which the work is progressing.

60. A rotary bottomless-bucket cxcavatorwheel having detachablecutting-edges secured to said buckets, with driving-shaft and suitablebearings, in combination with a suction- ICC pipe, exhaustingapparatus,and drcdge-boat.-

axis, for the purpose of slicing up and subdividing the spoils, incombination with a suction-pipe and exhausting apparatus.

64. A rotary excavator having a screen secured to and in combinationwith said excavator.

65. A suction-pipe and rotary excavator, in combination with a devicefor excluding coarse substances from said pipe.

66. A rotary excavator and receiving-pipe, and pump for freeing saidpipe of the excavated material bysuction, in combination with a devicefor excluding from said pipe substances too coarse to pass through thepump.

67. A rotary excavator having ring-knives (Z arranged at intervalsaround its periphery, to slice and subdivide the material to enter theconduit.

68. A rotary excavator, in combination with a device for screening thespoils and preventing obstructions from entering said excavator.

69. A rotary excavator with inward dischargc,conibined with a. pump, asi'iction-pipe, and devices to exclude from the suction-pipe substancestoo hard to be cut and too coarse to pass through the pump.

70. Cutting,proteeting,and screcningknives passing across the mouth of,secured to, and in combination with an excavating buckcti 7]. Anexcavatirig-bucket, in con'ibination with a screen or bars for screeningthe material and preventing the coarser portions from entering saidbucket.

72. A rotary excavator having buckets or scoops on its end adapted tocut and deliver i the material inward and through said excavator, forthe purpose of allowing said excavator to cut and advance in the line ofthe axis of rotation, in combination with a conduit for discharging saidmaterial, said excavator being arranged to deliver its contents directlyinto said conduit.

73. A rotary excavator having projecting excavating devices on itslowermost part, and provided with strengthening braces to teenforce thesupports that carry said devices, in combination with a suction-pipe andexhausting apparatus.

74. A rotary excavator having projecting excavating devices on itslowermost part, and provided with a strengthcnli.g-ring to re-enforcethe support which carries said devices, in combination with a suction-pipe and dredgeboat.

75. In dredging-niacinnes, a non-rotating suction-pipe,in combinationwith a rotary excavator provided with excavating devices arranged todeliver inward to a space in the interior of said excavator.

76. In combination with a dredging-inachine, a non-rotating suction-pipeand hollow rotary excavator provided with buckets or scoops haviir aninward delivery through said excavator. I

7 7. Av rotary bottomless-buckct excavatorwheel provided withring-knives d, substantially as described.

78. A rotary bottomless-bucket excavatorwheel having ring-knives d,detachablcknives S, and cutting-lips 0, substantially as set forth.

7 9. A rotary excavator with inward delivery, in combination with aninner stationary chamber arranged to form a bottom'to the buckets asthey revolve around said chamber until said buckets reach the place ofdischarge.

80. A rotary excavator with inward delivcry. in combination with aninner hollow chamber having an opening through which the excavatordischarges into said chamber.

81. Tl 2 so f'ad j nsti ng steam counter-balan ce H,in combination withhawser L and adredging device, substantially as described.

82. The combination, with the excavator, of a hawser, L, passing from acounter-balance, through the SllS1')Bl'ldll]g-blOCk g, and.

around suitable guiding-sheaves to the hoisting apparatus, to raise andlower the excavating apparatus without interrupting the action of thecounter-balance.

83. A hydraulic hoist, in combination with i a dredge-boat, rotaryexcavator, and suctionpipe.

84. A hydraulic hoist, in combination with an excavating device.

85. In combination with adredge-boat,winding-dru ms, and Warpinglincs,the blocks U U, anchored substantially as described.

86. In combinatiou with a dredge-boat and warping-line, a block, U,anchored to the bottom or to the shore, around which said Warping-linepasses for the purpose of swinging and warping said boat, substantiallyas described.

87. In combination with a dredge-boat having devices for swinging andworkings-aid boat with a side feed, a hauling-line having connectiondirect from the anchorage to the excavator-support and near the point ofresistance, and arranged to throw a large portion of the strain of theside feed on the outer end of the apparatus carrying the excavatingdevice.

88. In combination with the discharge-eonduit of a mud-forcingapparatus, guys 6, for holding said conduit in position.

89. In combination with a mud-transporting apparatus and discharge pipehaving branches and valves, as described, and relay pump, themud-receiver X, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

90. In combination with a dredging-machine, discharging apparatus, andrelay -pump, a floating vessel carrying said relay-pump.

91. A floating mud'barge having inlet and valve Z arranged to admitwater for diluting the spoils.

92. A inn-d receiver having a suction-pipe, with a branch and valvethroughwhich. the mud is exhausted from said receiver, substan+ 'tiallyas described.

93. A floating mud-barge having inlet and valve Z", with branch pipesand orifices to admit water for diluting the spoils.

94. In combination with a floating inud- ICC barge having inlet andvalve Z", and a pipe through which the spoils are withdrawn, the pumpB,or equivalent exhausting apparatus.

95. In combination with a dredge-boat and discharge-pipe, the valve Y,for the purposes specified. I l

96. A floating mud -barge ha'viLg an exhausting device and pipe withbranches and valves Z Z, for the purpose set forth.

97. In a mud-receiver, the pipe 0, with branches and valves Y Z Z.

98. In a floating mud-receiver,the pipe 0", with branches and valves Y Zr 99. In afioating mud-receiver having inlet and valve Z the pipe C,withits branches and valves and an exhausting apparatus for withdrawing thespoils.

100. A floating vessel and mud-transporting apparatus, in combinationwith a dredgeboat, to continuously receive and transport through adischarge-pipe toa place of deposit the spoils as delivered by saiddredge-boat.

101. In combination, a suction-pipe and exhausting apparatus for raisingand a conduit for discharging spoil, said conduit being provided withopenings for separating the spoil from a large percentage of the waterwhich passes the openings and is discharged farther on.

102. The combination,with a rotary excavator,suction-pipe, andexhausting apparatus, of a conduitdischarge having openings in saidconduit for delivering spoihwhile a large portion of the water passes byand is discharged farther on.

103. An excavating-bucket provided with a fender, to prevent said bucketfrom catching upon obstruct-ions.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand inthe presence of 40 two attesting witnesses.

A. B. BOWEES.

Witnesses:

HENRY F. TERRY, OLWYN T. STACY.

